Van Hau returns: CAHN registers him, he may play in V.League Round 14.

On the evening of November 22nd, CAHN confirmed that they have included Doan Van Hau in the squad for the second half of the 2025/26 V.League season. According to the team, the 25-year-old left-back could be used as early as round 14 if coach Mano Polking gives him the opportunity, marking a significant turning point after a long break due to a heel injury.

The message from CAHN and the significance of this moment.

In a press release, CAHN emphasized that Van Hau is "a player who can make a difference during the most crucial stage of the season." His registration for the second half of the season shows the team is strengthening its squad with experience and fighting spirit for the remainder of the season, as they have to divide their resources across five different competitions. Completing his recovery and being ready to return also gives CAHN more options on the left flank and in transitional phases – where composure, organization, and tackling are key.

The road back: two warm-up matches and the recovery journey.

Before being named in the squad, Van Hau played two friendly matches to regain his match fitness: in early October against Hanoi FC and on November 14th against Lion City Sailors, where he captained the team. These two appearances showed his readiness to enter the rhythm of official competition, although the final decision still rests with coach Mano Polking.

A heel injury forced Van Hau to stop playing from October 2023. Although initially advised to treat the injury conservatively, his condition did not improve, leading to surgery in March 2024. After the operation, the defender, born in 1999, spent a significant amount of time on intensive rehabilitation in Singapore and South Korea, at times having to immobilize his leg with a brace and being completely unable to train with the ball. His perseverance over more than a year laid the foundation for his return.

Tactical impact: system balancing and transition.

With his track record as a physical, organized, and influential left-back in both defensive and transitional plays, Van Hau's arrival could help CAHN improve two crucial flanks in a top-level system: controlling space behind the defense and initiating play after regaining possession. In a demanding match schedule, an experienced defensive option will help reduce pressure on the central defenders while providing a foundation for quick transitions to the attacking line.

At the operational level, adding an option on the left wing also allows coach Mano Polking more flexibility in handling substitutions according to the rhythm of the game: increasing the intensity of challenges when needing to maintain the score, or stretching the width of the pitch to organize transitional attacks. These are significant advantages when entering what is described as the "most intense phase of the season".

Personnel changes: a chance to return from round 14.

The possibility of him playing from round 14 onwards is a signal: CAHN has finalized its squad and is ready to put Van Hau into real action if his professional criteria are met during the preparation week. The number of minutes he plays or his role will depend entirely on the coaching staff's assessment, but the overall message is clear: he is ready to contribute to the club's competitive goals both domestically and on the continental stage.

Wider impact: Vietnam national team awaits

Not only CAHN, but the Vietnamese national team is also waiting for a healthy and consistent version of Van Hau. When the defender born in 1999 makes a full comeback, the national team's defense will have another quality and experienced piece for the tasks ahead.

Selective statistics

• Registration confirmation deadline: evening of November 22nd.
• Available to play: from round 14 of V.League 2025/26, subject to the decision of coach Mano Polking.
• Warm-up friendlies: early October against Hanoi FC; November 14th against Lion City Sailors (wearing the captain's armband).
• Injury: heel, out of action since October 2023; surgery scheduled for March 2024.
• Rehabilitation: Singapore and South Korea; included a period of leg immobilization with a splint.
• Club context: CAHN is competing in 5 different competitions.

After more than a year of waiting, being registered again is not only a medical milestone – but also the start of a familiar tactical role on the left wing. If round 14 marks the return, it will be news with widespread impact for both CAHN and the Vietnamese national team.